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Joni Mitchell — A Case of You
Album: Blue
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 846









Released: 1971
Length: 4:18
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Just before our love got lost you said,
"I am as constant as a northern star."
And I said, "Constantly in the darkness
Where's that at?
If you want me I'll be in the bar."
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada
Oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice
Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh I would still be on my feet.

Oh, I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I'm frightened by the devil
And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid
I remember that time you told me, you said,
"Love is touching souls,"
Surely you touched mine
'Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you, darling
Still be on my feet
I would still be on my feet

I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said,
"Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed"
Oh but you are in my blood
You're my holy wine
You're so bitter, bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
Still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet.
Comments (183)add comment
Listening in bed from starry Vancouver, BC. Rock on Jonie, rock on you beautiful Canadian songbird you.
 fitmartin wrote:
Joni is a national treasure...having said that....

Diana Krall does a version that takes this song to a whole new level....

album Live in Paris

check it out Bill??
 

Amazing... thank YOU for pointing to Krall's version...   sublime.   I found it on YouTube.  I love it.
 fitmartin wrote:
Joni is a national treasure...having said that....

Diana Krall does a version that takes this song to a whole new level....

album Live in Paris

check it out Bill??
 

I went to YouTube and checked it out.  It's just appalling.  She has really no idea what the song is about.
Joni is a national treasure...having said that....

Diana Krall does a version that takes this song to a whole new level....

album Live in Paris

check it out Bill??
 Tagish_girl wrote:
Never mind the H8ers. Joanie is a singer/songwriter with old fashioned talent.  Maybe you have to have lived in her era, maybe experienced the same kind of things she did to get the 'feel' of her music.  She is a poet. Stratospheric compared to a lot of the newbies out there.  There are lots who don't like Leonard Cohen, either.  Jes' sayin'.

 
I can't stand Leonard Cohen, but adore Joni Mitchell. 
I weep for a world where this many people think these things about a goddess like Joni Mitchell. Of you all it can easily be said that all your taste is in your mouths.
That was really painful - cruel of you to play something that awful.
Hate her voice. 
You get her or you don't—-it's not your fault....
Never mind the H8ers. Joanie is a singer/songwriter with old fashioned talent.  Maybe you have to have lived in her era, maybe experienced the same kind of things she did to get the 'feel' of her music.  She is a poet. Stratospheric compared to a lot of the newbies out there.  There are lots who don't like Leonard Cohen, either.  Jes' sayin'.
... and she is regarded as good?????
Very sad, but I love it. I miss the song "Blue" here - It's my favourite from Joni Mitchell.
Off the scale good!
 clemnarnold wrote:

This woman consistently puts out the most boring music of any major artist!  never mind if her lyrics are good!  Her music SUCKS!!

 
Brother, I'm with you. I wish we could all just agree that her music is awesome, then seal it away so that we never have to listen to it ever again.
i could drink a case of you, too.
A jewel.
Toally agree.. That was way too long
Incredibly beautiful song.
 crogers wrote:
Yeah, except that if you had actually put some thought into your post before you spewed it, your opinion might have gained you some respect.  Instead, you just come off like a troll.   

 
 clemnarnold wrote:
No problem.  I didn't mean to offend.  I just HAD to get to the point instead of ruminating and philosophizing as to WHY I think her music sucks!  : )  On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, you're wrong, of course, but thanks so much for sharing your intelligent, insightful thoughts.

 
 

 
that seems a little harsh...the original comment said:

'This woman consistently puts out the most boring music of any major artist! never mind if her lyrics are good! Her music SUCKS!!'

...which makes several points in a quite succinct way.
While any of us may hold our own opinions about whether her music is boring, has good lyrics or sucks, or even whether she merits the accolade of being a 'major artist', as a statement of an opinion, it is clear, concise and to the point.
I could even argue that it is a reasonably balanced position, it is not a completely negative statement.
 


 pcicatar wrote:

Very quickly agreed.  Krall's version stops time.
 
That happens in Canada. One Canadian artist writes something great, another covers it and makes it just that much better...Canada Rocks. The talent there is, well, awesome...I love my homeland, even if I'm not there. Couldn't possible agree more about Krall's version. "Stops time"....perfect.
 madebytim wrote:
What a voice... 
 
Well, that's a matter of perspective... she one of the few artists on Radio Paradise that make me switch to a different station for a while...

Wow. Well said. Sheer magnificence, indeed. {#Clap}

 
gerbold wrote:
I got home, slightly drunk and melancholic about a love affair that had got lost and, unusually I put music on and the first song that came to mind was this. I knew long time back about Graham Nash and Joni and knew why she wrote this track. Very true that some artists are ridiculed in spite of the beauty of their songs. Sting and Steely Dan - even Don Maclean - because they don't suit a stereotype of what hip should be. There are more of course - strange tonight I should have been listening to "King Midas in Reverse" certainly written by Nash when he was with the Hollies. But Joni (or as my ex-wife used to refer to her - Moanie) is/was simply the most remarkably gifted poet, musician and singer in a decade where talent abounded. Amy Winehouse has a beautiful, beautiful voice and writes fine songs that are distinct even if they may be derivative. Joan Baez sings to send shivers down the spine (takes 'Catch the Wind' into another sphere) but Joni spilled her heart and soul into lyrics and music and managed to reach my heart and soul. I guess to me it climaxed with 'Hissing....' - truly, truly as great an accomplishment as ANY album (inc. Sgt Pepper's and Exile - in it's own way). Maybe cos it was a solo 'folkie' woman performer she was side-stepped for acknowledgement in the pantheon of the greats but, maybe, in fifty years her music will be spoken of with the same awe as I speak of Bach or Debussy. There are still great artists and they will continue to arise "standing on the shoulders of giants" as did Mozart, Beethoven etc. but the older I get the more perceptive I get as to the stuff that is dross that I used to think was cool and the real magnificence. Joni is sheer magnificence.
 


 clemnarnold wrote:

This woman consistently puts out the most boring music of any major artist!  never mind if her lyrics are good!  Her music SUCKS!!


 
agreed

What a voice... 
I think I like Joni a little more than I used to.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

No problem, clemnarnold. Cheers.

 
I appreciate your classy response to my "Troll' like comment, On the Beach.  just having fun. 

Yeah, except that if you had actually put some thought into your post before you spewed it, your opinion might have gained you some respect.  Instead, you just come off like a troll.   

 
 clemnarnold wrote:
No problem.  I didn't mean to offend.  I just HAD to get to the point instead of ruminating and philosophizing as to WHY I think her music sucks!  : )  On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, you're wrong, of course, but thanks so much for sharing your intelligent, insightful thoughts.

 
 

 clemnarnold wrote:
No problem.  I didn't mean to offend.  I just HAD to get to the point instead of ruminating and philosophizing as to WHY I think her music sucks!  : )  On_The_Beach wrote:
Well, you're wrong, of course, but thanks so much for sharing your intelligent, insightful thoughts.
 
 
No problem, clemnarnold. Cheers.

No problem.  I didn't mean to offend.  I just HAD to get to the point instead of ruminating and philosophizing as to WHY I think her music sucks!  : )  On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, you're wrong, of course, but thanks so much for sharing your intelligent, insightful thoughts.

 


 clemnarnold wrote:

This woman consistently puts out the most boring music of any major artist!  never mind if her lyrics are good!  Her music SUCKS!!

 
Well, you're wrong, of course, but thanks so much for sharing your intelligent, insightful thoughts.

This woman consistently puts out the most boring music of any major artist!  never mind if her lyrics are good!  Her music SUCKS!!


ugh. this hurts my head.
Because no one else has said it, I'll say this song is just okay, kind of middle of the road. Read the comments, you'll see what I mean. 

Many of Joni's tunes are angelic.      {#Daisy}        Not this one. {#Hand}


The Miles of Aisles live version is a fav: cheers.
 tlaseke wrote:
All due respect to Joni but Diana Krall owns this song.  RP, please play Krall's cover from Live in Paris.
 
Very quickly agreed.  Krall's version stops time.

Sweet studio mix: It's taken me forty years to hear James Taylor's guitar accompaniment so clearly. Revelation.
 Randomax wrote:


Stop listening and feel! it's poetry!
 

I like some of her music, and her talent is obvious, but she ruins it for me when she enjoys explaining how talented she is. I abhor an artist who is critical of other musician's work when the criticism is based on a comparison to her own. I've never heard or read of Dylan doing the same. Ms. Joni could use a little humility.

Yes, Joni is a lot like Dylan for me.  The beauty is in the poetry. 
I agree with the whiney high pitched complaints.  I get Joni and her poetic lyrics, and she deserves respect, but having said that, this songs really blows.
I also feel that this song is sucko-barfo. And yet I have the sense that if it was 1975, I would feel differently. This tune just does not stand up to the test of time. It feels so pretentious and heavy handed, with no weight behind it. I much prefer Neko Case's voice. Now that will knock you on your ass!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much high pitched wharble lately on RP.  I'm taking a hiatus.  Oh well, I haven't donated in awhile so I guess I get what I pay for.
 
 Jeff09 wrote:
Ah, now see...I'm crying...shit.
 
You ain't alone, brother.

Intellectual Yoni!


joni is awesome and the lyrics are great - i get the poetry and all - but that melody and vocals makes my ears bleed.  awful.  
I simply don't get it. To me this song is simply awful. Really wishing RP had a fast forward button.

Yet it gets a massively high rating. Go figure.
First song I heard when I woke up....More Joni!
Amen, sister!

 
decorgirl wrote:
A more perfect song does not exist.    
 


 Randomax wrote:


Stop listening and feel! it's poetry!
 
what I feel is my lunch coming up.
 crockydile wrote:

I have a cat. Would prefer to give it a bath to listening to Joni. {#Headache}
 

Stop listening and feel! it's poetry!
Voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard. There I said it.
 gerbold wrote:
I got home, slightly drunk and melancholic about a love affair that had got lost and, unusually I put music on and the first song that came to mind was this. I knew long time back about Graham Nash and Joni and knew why she wrote this track. Very true that some artists are ridiculed in spite of the beauty of their songs. Sting and Steely Dan - even Don Maclean - because they don't suit a stereotype of what hip should be. There are more of course - strange tonight I should have been listening to "King Midas in Reverse" certainly written by Nash when he was with the Hollies. But Joni (or as my ex-wife used to refer to her - Moanie) is/was simply the most remarkably gifted poet, musician and singer in a decade where talent abounded. Amy Winehouse has a beautiful, beautiful voice and writes fine songs that are distinct even if they may be derivative. Joan Baez sings to send shivers down the spine (takes 'Catch the Wind' into another sphere) but Joni spilled her heart and soul into lyrics and music and managed to reach my heart and soul. I guess to me it climaxed with 'Hissing....' - truly, truly as great an accomplishment as ANY album (inc. Sgt Pepper's and Exile - in it's own way). Maybe cos it was a solo 'folkie' woman performer she was side-stepped for acknowledgement in the pantheon of the greats but, maybe, in fifty years her music will be spoken of with the same awe as I speak of Bach or Debussy. There are still great artists and they will continue to arise "standing on the shoulders of giants" as did Mozart, Beethoven etc. but the older I get the more perceptive I get as to the stuff that is dross that I used to think was cool and the real magnificence. Joni is sheer magnificence.
 

Thank you for this
 mistermerp wrote:
This is unlistenable. It's one of those songs/artists that makes me switch stations. Maybe I need to get a cat.
 
I have a cat. Would prefer to give it a bath to listening to Joni. {#Headache}
Goddess-like.11.

Ah, now see...I'm crying...shit.
A stellar moment in time for Joni and her listeners.
Epiphany.  This song changed my life.  Thank you, Joni, for your genius and humanity.  {#Sunny}
 meloman wrote:

Blasphemer!
 

Indeed.
This is unlistenable. It's one of those songs/artists that makes me switch stations. Maybe I need to get a cat.
 Viv515 wrote:

Guess you have to be a Canadian to appreciate it? 
  Oh no you don’t!

Excellent!  Prince also does a great cover of this song as well....
Colorado River trip 1984.... ahhh Sublime {#Meditate}
Just love this song.  Joni always transports me.  Wish i had a good glass of Cabernet in my hand right now, but it's only 9:30 in the morning.  Must be after 5pm somewhere, right?
...oh, Canada...
Blind Faith then Joni Mitchell, thank you. Joni's art soars. Don't understand exactly what she is talking about? Try not to get stuck being so literal and just let her transport you.
Brings to mind a good friend no longer here who was a Joni freak and expanded my consciousness through her music.  {#Cheers}
Refreshing to see all these lengthy positive posts, specifically gerbold, briant & Deadwing, and relatively few haters.

Remains the most beautiful song in the universe!
Sorry - I didn't mention Brian Wilson. He must have been in touch with the music of the spheres.
I got home, slightly drunk and melancholic about a love affair that had got lost and, unusually I put music on and the first song that came to mind was this. I knew long time back about Graham Nash and Joni and knew why she wrote this track. Very true that some artists are ridiculed in spite of the beauty of their songs. Sting and Steely Dan - even Don Maclean - because they don't suit a stereotype of what hip should be. There are more of course - strange tonight I should have been listening to "King Midas in Reverse" certainly written by Nash when he was with the Hollies. But Joni (or as my ex-wife used to refer to her - Moanie) is/was simply the most remarkably gifted poet, musician and singer in a decade where talent abounded. Amy Winehouse has a beautiful, beautiful voice and writes fine songs that are distinct even if they may be derivative. Joan Baez sings to send shivers down the spine (takes 'Catch the Wind' into another sphere) but Joni spilled her heart and soul into lyrics and music and managed to reach my heart and soul. I guess to me it climaxed with 'Hissing....' - truly, truly as great an accomplishment as ANY album (inc. Sgt Pepper's and Exile - in it's own way). Maybe cos it was a solo 'folkie' woman performer she was side-stepped for acknowledgement in the pantheon of the greats but, maybe, in fifty years her music will be spoken of with the same awe as I speak of Bach or Debussy. There are still great artists and they will continue to arise "standing on the shoulders of giants" as did Mozart, Beethoven etc. but the older I get the more perceptive I get as to the stuff that is dross that I used to think was cool and the real magnificence. Joni is sheer magnificence.
I agree with you. First, I am a musician who can actually read music and appreciates the fact that people who criticize artists from Joni to Sting, from Steely Dan to ELP, can't begin to grasp the enormity of talent these people have. You can call Kurt Cobain a musical genius, but the fact is, he knew about 5 chords and shouldn't be mentioned in the same book, let alone sentence, with these people. I've never felt compelled to write, or answer a letter online before until now. As I watched the Grammy's last Sunday, it was embarrassing to see what passes for and gets accepted as talent today. Fergie? My goddaighter who is 11, asked why she was so out of tune. Must have forgotten to use pitch correction on the broadcast. Kid Rock? There's a talent for you. Keely Smith must have been asking herself why did she agree to this? Amy Winehouse? You can't be serious. I could go on, but it would do no good to the people out there who think Maroon 5 is this generations Beatles. To the rest of you, just remember that the people who criticize Joni and those artists, are people who are musically ignorant. Cheers!
So I don't really see it as a love song...more like a used-to love song.
That's how I see it too. That makes it even more melancholy to me He wrote Our House for her and she wrote River and Case of You (and probably more songs) for him. And those of you who can't stand her "odd" voice should read her lyrics (or maybe watch her PBS American Masters show). Certain aspects of her life have been quite heartbreaking. She is one of the best songwriters of the last 100 years. But I'm tired of arguing with neanderthals, idiots, and philistines on this board though so give it a rest if you are just here to spazz rude remarks. I can never understand how haters just keep taking the low road on everything- you come on a song forum that is full of people that actually love a particular singer or song and stand there and babble idiotic pointless insults. Please go and try to get a life. How much do you like it when people post insulting remarks on a song that you really love? Music is a personal, subjective thing to everyone. It's like trashing an "I like the color green" thread because you like the color blue. Pointless rude bullshit.
My wife sings a very pretty version of this song. . .well, actually, another pretty version, since this one is pretty nice itself :)
nelamvr6 wrote:
Guys, if you like this you really should check out the new vinyl release of "Blue" that was mastered by Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray. It is simply astounding!
Hubby's really into vinyl- and I never understood why until I heard Blue. It's a completely different sonic experience. Just beautiful.
Mari wrote:
yeah, what you said!
One of my all-time favorite JM songs.
I dont usually write negative comments here, but those of you who cant tell, this is a LOVE song.... are well, sorta dumb She wrote this song when breaking up with Graham Nash.
harmaton wrote:
sorry, this is pretty bad.
I'm with you.
harmaton wrote:
sorry, this is pretty bad.
Blasphemer!
sukilau wrote:
you've said it all....
Oh - to hell with the probably!
Missy Mitchell, sometimes I'm in the mood for her, sometimes I'm not. She definitely creates feelings one way or the other though so I've got to give her props there :)
I've tried and tried and tried, but I've never been able to break into the magical sphere that she clearly provides for others. Many of her songs sound very similar to me. A number of years ago, I went with a group of friends to see a concert with Joni and Bob Dylan. Everyone else in my group was telling people about the Joni Mitchell concert. Me, I was going to see Dylan!
My Sappy cup runneth over...
Marina1 wrote:
I always thought this song was an ode to Canada. Can drink a case of you and still be on my feet = she can never get enough of her homeland. Just my thoughts ....
I think it's actually about her love of a person, not Canada, otherwise the lyrics don't make sense. Aside from the beloved carrying on conversations with Joni, there is also this: On the back of a cartoon coaster In the blue tv screen light I drew a map of canada Oh Canada And your face sketched on it twice.
sorry, this is pretty bad.
Viv515 wrote:
Guess you have to be a Canadian to appreciate it? The worst metaphor ever is "I'm never gonna dance again - cuz guilty feet ain't got no rhythm." (Was this George Michael?)
Not even sure how that's a metaphor.
this song is just fantastic. one of my all time favorites.
pattiecovert wrote:
Our office collectively groans at the "Oooooh Canada" part. Awful. Awful. Awful.
Must be a sad place to have to be.
pattiecovert wrote:
Our office collectively groans at the "Oooooh Canada" part. Awful. Awful. Awful.
I'd find a new job. You are working with some very uncool people.
I always thought this song was an ode to Canada. Can drink a case of you and still be on my feet = she can never get enough of her homeland. Just my thoughts ....
Incredible song. I'm thinking that if she's drinking a whole case and still on her feet then the holy wine is no longer intoxicating; probably why their love got lost. So I don't really see it as a love song...more like a used-to love song. Still unbelieveably emotional and one of my favorites.
Prince, who is a huge Joni Mitchell fan, has been known to cover this great song.
Um, case-wise, she's talking about WINE: "Oh you are in my blood like holy wine Oh and you taste so bitter but you taste so sweet Oh I could drink a case of you I could drink a case of you darling And I would still be on my feet Oh Id still be on my feet" Please try to keep up. xoxox, c.
1 trick pony. & not even a great trick...
Our office collectively groans at the "Oooooh Canada" part. Awful. Awful. Awful.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just what I was thinkin'. I'm not sure they use the expression "case of beer" in the States. Up here it has always meant a case of 12 beer. In highschool of course the macho thing was to drink a case of beer at a party without passing out. Thus Joni's reference to drinking "a case" of you as a reference to her deep love. Kinda goofy, really.
In my neck of the Canadian woods a case is 24 bottles. Strangely, we also challenged each other to drink a case of beer before passing out.... AO
highwindows wrote:
Probably - the most beautiful song in the universe. Can't say much more!
you've said it all....
Good heavens this is awful!
Probably - the most beautiful song in the universe. Can't say much more!
this just makes me stop anything I'm doing, sit down and just listen. how sweet.
dixiedeb wrote:
You are so right. I was surprised how much I liked it.
Get the Cristina Branco cover. More a tribute than anything else. Just simply amazing. Listen to her interview here https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5312568 Cheers P.
another case of Joni is not enough...
Alpine wrote:
ANY song from this album shoots straight to my heart. Joni Mitchell is proof God exists; she taps into something beyond mere mortals. Is it true she rarely tours because she has lingering effects from childhood polio? I've heard that and it makes some sense, but she's been so successful for so long she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't WANT to do, so who knows? She's been accused of having a 'wispy' or 'breathy' voice, but her ability to draw emotion out of a song negates any and all technical shortcomings. Joni Mitchell (and her contemporary Joan Armatrading) are sorely underrated; I hope someday they (among others) are recognized as the seminal influences they are. Peace, c.
Guys, if you like this you really should check out the new vinyl release of "Blue" that was mastered by Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray. It is simply astounding!
sukilau wrote:
Diana Krall does a sweet version too!!!
You are so right. I was surprised how much I liked it.
Shimmer wrote:
"I could drink a case of you and still be on my feet." I like some Joni Mitchell, but this has got to be one of the worst metaphors I can think of in a serious song.
Guess you have to be a Canadian to appreciate it? The worst metaphor ever is "I'm never gonna dance again - cuz guilty feet ain't got no rhythm." (Was this George Michael?)
Joni mitchell is amazing. i don't know which I love more her vocals or her talent as a songwriter. Saw her in 1976 in Charlotte. What a concert!
gizmo wrote:
"Version". It's not a "version" This is THE original. Where have you been laddie?
Damn right! :)
Diana Krall does a sweet version too!!!
Bill, just yesterday I was wishing you would play River from Blue. This is just as good. Anything from that album, actually. Thank you. :)
One of the best of old Joni (not to be confused with new Joni).
Like Buttah!!!! Yeah! More Joni
Exquisite song and lyrics by one of the finest musical artists of our time.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just what I was thinkin'. I'm not sure they use the expression "case of beer" in the States. Up here it has always meant a case of 12 beer. In highschool of course the macho thing was to drink a case of beer at a party without passing out. Thus Joni's reference to drinking "a case" of you as a reference to her deep love. Kinda goofy, really.
I'm from almost-Canada (Minnesota) and we always used "case" to mean a 24-bottle carton.
sunnysoul03 wrote:
11:25 am - Joni Mitchell - A Case of You 11:22 am - Bic Runga - Get Some Sleep 11:19 am - Elliott Smith - Color Bars 11:16 am - Guster - What You Wish For 11:11 am - Gomez - Revolutionary Kind 11:07 am - The Stone Roses - Made of Stone -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a great half hour of music. So lucky to have RP.
I wholeheartedly agree.
11:25 am - Joni Mitchell - A Case of You 11:22 am - Bic Runga - Get Some Sleep 11:19 am - Elliott Smith - Color Bars 11:16 am - Guster - What You Wish For 11:11 am - Gomez - Revolutionary Kind 11:07 am - The Stone Roses - Made of Stone -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a great half hour of music. So lucky to have RP.
Tori Amos' cover of this song is nothing short of spectacular.